Khartargachha Millennium

Khartargachha Millennium Stamp – Celebrating a Thousand-Year Legacy of Jain Wisdom and Compassion

The Department of Posts proudly commemorates a thousand years of spiritual legacy, scholarship, and service to humanity with the release of the Khartargachha Millennium Stamp. This special issue honors one of the oldest and most revered sects of Jain Shwetambar tradition — the Khartargachha — which has shaped the philosophical, cultural, and social landscape of India for over a millennium.

A Legacy Rooted in Lord Mahavir’s Teachings

The origins of the Khartargachha trace back over 2,600 years, following the teachings of Lord Mahavir, and his disciples Gautam Swami and Sudharma Swami. Lord Mahavir had laid down a rigorous spiritual discipline for monks and followers alike — a path of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), and renunciation.

Over time, deviations crept into monastic life. Some monks, seeking comfort, began residing in temples — earning the name Chaityavasis. These departures from Lord Mahavir’s path led to the rise of reformist movements within Jainism — one of the most influential being the Khartargachha sect, which restored the original ascetic discipline and spiritual rigor.

A Thousand Years of Spiritual and Cultural Brilliance

For over a thousand years, the Khartargachha lineage has been a beacon of intellectual depth, artistic expression, and moral leadership. It has produced renowned Acharyas, monks, scholars, artists, and philanthropists, who have not only enriched Jain Dharma but also contributed profoundly to Indian society.

Luminaries such as Acharya Jin Dutt Suri, Acharya Manidhari Jin Chandra Suri, and Acharya Shri Jin Kaushal Suri were venerated not only as spiritual leaders but also as pioneering thinkers. Their writings provided deep insights into complex philosophical principles, strengthening the foundations of Jain thought.

The brilliant Mahopadhyaya Samay Sunderji, over 400 years ago, demonstrated the analytical depth of Jain scholarship by interpreting a single eight-word sentence in 800,000 ways — a feat that continues to inspire awe.

The Dada Gurudevs and Their Living Legacy

Four of the most revered Acharyas — Acharya Abhay Dev Suri, Acharya Jin Dutt Suri, Acharya Manidhari Jin Chandra Suri, and Acharya Manidhari — are fondly known as ‘Dada Gurudev’. In their honor, sacred shrines called Dadabaris were built across India.

Today, over 800 Dadabaris serve as spiritual sanctuaries, drawing thousands of pilgrims and followers who come to pay homage and seek guidance.

These spiritual leaders also played a critical role in influencing rulers of their time. Through moral persuasion, they inspired many kings to ban animal slaughter, leading to the saving of countless lives — a powerful testament to the principle of Ahimsa.

Scholarship, Art, and Social Contribution

The Kharatgachha sect has been home to brilliant scholars and historians like Shri Agar Chand Nahata and Shri Bhanwar Lal Nahata, who authored over 100 books and more than 5,000 articles, preserving and interpreting Jain scriptures and manuscripts.

Another giant, Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinay Sagar ji, made invaluable contributions through editing, translating, and writing seminal works that continue to educate and enlighten.

Their legacy is also visible in the temples and tirths constructed by Kharatgachha followers. These sites are not only centers of worship but also masterpieces of Jain architecture and sculpture. One iconic example is the Palitana temple, built by Seth Motilsha around 250 years ago, who leveled an entire valley between two hills to create a safe path for Jain pilgrims.

Philanthropy Without Boundaries

Khartargachha followers have led with compassion, establishing schools, colleges, hospitals, granth bhandars (manuscript repositories), dharmshalas, and old-age homes. These institutions serve people from all walks of life, transcending caste, creed, language, or region — a living example of Jainism’s inclusive spirit.

Marching Forward with Vision

The Khartargachha Millennium Stamp not only honors a rich past but also signals a commitment to the future. As this sect enters its Sahasrabdi (1000th) year, it stands determined to re-dedicate itself to the service of humanity, true to its timeless values of Ahimsa and Satya.

Its followers continue to lead lives rooted in discipline, humility, and purpose, making meaningful contributions to nation-building, social welfare, and spiritual harmony.

A Stamp Worthy of a Thousand Years

With the release of the Khartargachha Millennium Stamp, India Post celebrates a tradition that has stood the test of time a sect that has nurtured wisdom, upheld compassion, and enriched civilization. This commemorative stamp is not just a piece of postage — it is a tribute to an extraordinary spiritual journey that continues to inspire.